Understanding Fats

"Fats" - the so called Evils!

Take the name "Fats" & you get that feeling of hatred/fear/dislike/anger etc etc!

This is the way people treat "Fats"(Poor culprit)!:(

In this fitness conscious world, with media information overload we tend to get confused, & cannot differentiate between the Untruth and the Truth!

Untruth : Fats are useless/bad/not needed/extremely Bad/unhealthy

Truth: Fats are useful/not bad/needed/not unhealthy

Some Tidbits about "Fats" :-

The foods we eat contain nutrients that provide energy! The 3 major nutrients which provide energy are "Carbohydrate" (second poor culprit), "Protein" & "Fats"!

Like, to drive your favorite car you need fuel, In the same way, Body uses Fat as a fuel source.

Fat is the storage form of energy in the body, For eg We deposit money in our banks to keep us secure when in crisis, likewise body too stores fat (Money) in the adipose tissue(Banks) when in crisis ( energy deprivation,stress,sickness, prolonged starvation)!

# Some Fats come from animals, others come from plants. 

Plant Fats (Vegetable fats) :- Margarine and Vegetable oil

Animal fats :- Butter, Cream(cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ice cream, sour cream, whipped cream), Lard etc.

Function of Fats 

# Provides energy : In the time of prolonged sickness, starvation, stress , Fats help the body with sufficient energy needed.

# Provides insulation under the skin from cold and the heat.

# Protects organs and bones from the shock and provides support for organs.

# Fat is a part of every cell membrane in the body, it helps transport nutrients across cell membranes.

# Fat is needed so your body could absorb the fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and prevent deficiencies of these vitamins.

# Fats are necessary for the production of hormones to regulate and initiate body activities.

# Fats are required for brain structure, for good skin etc.

Fats is very necessary not only for optimum health but for life itself!

Type of Fats

Good Fats	Not so Good Fats
Unsaturated Fats: MUFA ( mono unsaturated fats): Peanuts, Peanut oil, olives, olive oil, avocados, almonds, rice bran oil PUFA ( poly unsaturated fats): 2 types:         Omega 3: Flaxseeds, flaxseeds oil, walnuts, oil in fish.          Omega 6: Sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil	Saturated fats: Butter, Animal fats (esp Red Meat), milk & milk products, coconut and palm oil. Trans Fats: Most Processed food, store bought cakes, biscuits, pizzas, burgers, fries, etc.

# Use The Good Fats Majorly and the Not so Good Fats Should Be Avoided Or Used Sparingly.

So fat is not the enemy,:) but you'll want to choose the right amount  and the right kind of fat for optimum health!